NASA
has more than a dozen Earth science spacecraft/instruments in orbit studying
all aspects of the Earth system (oceans, land, atmosphere, biosphere,
cryosphere), with several more planned for launch in the next few years. › More Earth mission
posters
When people think of NASA, they often envision rovers
on Mars, astronauts floating aboard the International Space Station, or probes
venturing to the far reaches of our solar system. However, what might surprise
some is that NASA is deeply involved in climate research and observations right
here on Earth. Earth is a planet, too, and NASA plays a major role in Earth
science research, with broad expertise on observing our climate from
satellites, instruments on the International Space Station, airplanes, balloons,
ships and on land. These observations assist us in understanding the many links
between our planet's essential processes and the impacts of both natural and
human-induced changes on the climate.
NASA has been studying Earth since its first weather
satellite, TIROS, launched in 1960. During this time, scientists were starting
to understand that our climate could change quite rapidly, even within a
human's lifetime. Today, we have a clear understanding that our climate is
changing rapidly, and that human activities are responsible for the vast
majority of that change. NASA continues to send new satellites into space, and
they also use aircraft, boats, as well as scientists on the ground, to gather
important data. These include measurements of snowpack, hurricanes, wildfires,
ocean ecology, amd more to add crucial details to our overall understanding
from space.
NASA’s mission is to make observations of our Earth
system that can be used by the public, researchers, and policymakers. It's aim
is to provide support for informed decision-making processes. NASA is dedicated
to conducting thorough scientific research. However, it's important to note
that the agency doesn't advocate for specific climate policies.
· NASA’s Role: Taking a Global Perspective on Earth’s Climate
Source: What is NASA's role in climate research? – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet
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